HRH The Prince of Wales’s speech at our New Buildings in Old Places with the Prince’s Regeneration Trust has triggered an avalanche of interest. While much of the focus has been on the issue of tall buildings, people have also commented on the challenges of meeting the demand for housing in an ancient land. Because of the outpouring of support -- and challenge -- we have decided to open up an interactive part of our web site, so that people could comment and debate the issues.
Some of the issues that we expect to generate lively debate are the following:
1. Should tall buildings be concentrated in urban quarters -- like Canary Wharf -- to create a new skyline? Or should they be permitted where a local authority or a developer wishes to make an architectural statement or statement of aspiration?
2. Are world heritage areas adequately protected from new construction? How can new construction add to the visitor experience?
3. Density is often cited as the reason for building taller. Are residential towers the answer to the housing crisis? Or should we increase density by building terraces with small gardens and mid rise mansion blocks with private courtyards?
4. What’s more important: the ability of tall buildings to make an artistic statement, or the need for buildings to fit into a walkable mixed use neighbourhood?
5. Significant architectural monuments used to be reserved for public buildings and cultural destinations on key urban sites, yet many proposals for iconic buildings are coming for speculative office buildings and residential towers on opportunistic sites. Is this just the way it is in the contemporary world, or should planners take a stronger hand?
Comments on these and other points are welcome. We'll post your comments on this site and hope you will enjoy the debate.
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